About the University of Maryland

The University of Maryland (UMD), College Park is the state of Maryland’s flagship institution and one of the United States’ top-ranked public research universities. We are home to more than 40,000 students, 4,300 faculty and nearly 405,000 alumni all dedicated to moving Fearlessly Forward in pursuit of excellence and impact for the public good.

At UMD, students have the opportunity to work side-by-side with faculty at the top of their fields: Pulitzer Prize recipients, Nobel laureates, and Emmy and Tony winners. We are a global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, and our unbeatable location just outside Washington, D.C. allows students to take advantage of the vast cultural, internship and learning opportunities nearby.

Our campus community is strengthened by the richness of viewpoints, perspectives, ideals, lifestyles and personalities brought together here. Apply to #BeATerp and be part of a community that reflects the diversity of our state, our nation and our world.

Academics

Within our 12 colleges/schools you will find a remarkable breadth and depth of academic pursuits for you to explore. At UMD we’re researching hot topics such as alternative energy, advising federal officials on homeland security, working with the state to reduce children’s obesity and investigating many other pressing issues. You can work side-by-side with faculty who are ready to share their experiences and expertise with you. 

UMD At A Glance:

  • 30,000+ undergraduate students
  • 121 countries of origin for students
  • 50% undergraduate students of color
  • 4,777 international students
  • 89% 6-year graduation rate
  • 18:1 student-faculty ratio
  • 100+ bachelor degree programs
  • 300+ options to study abroad

Resident Life

College is a big adjustment, and you will come to rely on the friendship and support you find in your roommate, suite-mates, floor-mates or from your resident assistant. We can help you find your home away from home on- or off-campus. Nine out of 10 UMD freshmen live in the university’s residence halls. Roughly half of on-campus residents are in living-learning communities, providing a great chance to bond with students with similar interests. Learn more about resident life at UMD.

Student Life

You’ll make the most of your UMD experience not just in the classroom, but beyond. Opportunities to get involved, have fun and make a difference are as rich and diverse as the homemade ice cream flavors at the Maryland Dairy! You won’t only make your home here, you’ll be part of a close-knit community.

With more than 800 clubs, fraternities and sororities, and sports, getting involved couldn’t be easier. UMD has a huge array of community and volunteer services that can connect you with local and national organizations for elder care, tutoring, mentoring or environmental action. Plus, you can always have fun attending the hundreds of cultural events, movies, lectures and concerts held on campus each year. Learn more about student life at UMD. 

Admissions

Our admission process has one mission: to identify applicants, who as individuals and as a group, will enrich and benefit from the campus learning environment and the entire student body. There are 24 factors that are considered during our holistic admissions review process for every applicant.

High school students and students with fewer than 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours of university-level credit beyond secondary school graduation should apply as freshman applicants. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the early action deadline to receive priority consideration for admission to the university, merit-based scholarships and invitations to special programs. Freshman applicants who apply for admission to the fall semester are also automatically considered for admission to the spring semester.

High school graduates who have completed at least 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours at a regionally accredited university should apply as transfer applicants. Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate credits or placements tests cannot be used toward this requirement. Students in the process of completing 12 college credits are encouraged to email us prior to submitting an application at ApplyMaryland@umd.edu, using the subject line “12 Credits In-Progress Transfer Applicant” for guidance on how to complete their application.

Deadline Information

For freshmen, the early action deadline is November 1. For transfer students applying for the fall, the early action deadline is March 1. UMD’s early action deadline is non-binding and students are encouraged to apply by this deadline to receive priority consideration for admission to the university, merit based scholarships and invitations to special programs. Additional deadlines and decision release timelines can be found on our website.

Required Application Materials

In addition to the online application and $75 application fee, applicants need to submit a number of other materials. Review our How to Apply page for a full list, based on your applicant type, and to ensure you're submitting all required materials. Details on specific international student requirements can also be found on our website.

For assistance as you complete your application, reference our Application FAQs.

Finances

Consistently ranked as one of the best values in public higher education, you can rest assured that you will receive an affordable world-class education at the University of Maryland.

College is a major investment for you and your family. UMD has a long history of providing financial support to students of all economic backgrounds. We offer an array of financial aid programs (including scholarships, grants, loans and student employment) as part of our commitment to making an excellent education affordable. Learn more about financing your education.

To be considered for need-based aid, you must annually complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). UMD’s FAFSA priority deadline is March 1, 2024, and our institution code is 002103.

Additional Information

Ready to plan a campus visit and learn more about UMD? Check out our calendar and register for one of our many visit opportunities. You can also experience UMD for yourself from anywhere around the world with our virtual tour!